THE auction of land by British Waterways in Mirfield by the Calder & Hebble Navigation is causing concern about access.
The land is adjacent to Battyeford Sporting Club, and the concern is about emergency access that crosses the land to be auctioned that is at present used by ambulances attending injuries, Alan Tilbury reveals.
Legality
There is a gate leading onto the land that is used for access, and there is doubt as to its legality, and depending on the purchaser, concern that this could be closed off, and even built over.
There is only that single vehicular access to the club's property, that is used for other purposes as well as emergency use, and should it be cut-off, it will have serious implications for the continuation of the club.
Responsible
It is Kirklees Council that owns the playing fields between Huddersfield Road and the Calder & Hebble Navigation, and is responsible for its right of way.
However, one Mirfield councillor, Martyn Bolt cannot see anyone wanting to buy the land, that floods, announcing that he wouldn't pay £15 for it never mind £15,000—its guide price.
Of course, a spokesman for British Waterways rolled-out the expected:
"The money raised will be reinvested back into looking after the nation's 200-year old canal network."
Not into pubs, shopping malls or bonuses?